17+ university-hosted pre-college STEM programs for high schoolers near Chicago — AI, research, engineering, and science tracks. Compare admissions, prices, and dates.
Refreshed weekly · Last updated Jun 11, 2026
An intensive, free six-week program for high schoolers and incoming college freshmen to build computing skills in computer science, data science, and mobile app development.
Age Group
High School
Location
200 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone
(312) 668-9081
An intensive two-week program for incoming UIC freshmen, providing hands-on experiences, math preparation, and innovative project-based activities to build a strong academic and social foundation for college.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Illinois Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
Students learn to analyze big data, create predictions, model complex situations, and use R or Python for data visualization and model validation, engaging in original research.
Age Group
Middle/High School
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Phone
(847) 467-1575
A six-week, paid pre-internship where rising high school sophomores and juniors explore STEM and health care careers, develop academic and workplace skills, and research real-world health issues.
Age Group
High School
Location
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 942-5000
Youth ages 16-24 learn Swift programming and app development fundamentals to build iOS app prototypes addressing community issues in Chicago.
Age Group
High School
Location
Multiple Locations
Phone
N/A
This seven-week paid program allows underrepresented Chicago-area high school students to perform novel research in Materials Science and Engineering, mentored by professional researchers.
Age Group
High School
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Phone
N/A
High school students strengthen computing skills, build college and career-readiness, and gain exposure to AI and machine learning through dedicated workshops and courses in downtown Chicago.
Age Group
High School
Location
Downtown Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 355-5025
This one-week enrichment program introduces high school students to quantum science, exploring future careers and academic opportunities in the field.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
This interactive program offers high school students experience with real astronomy research, focusing on Python programming, data analysis, and astronomical concepts.
Age Group
High School
Location
1800 Sherman Avenue, 8th Floor, Evanston, IL
Phone
(847) 467-6703
An 8-week paid research program where high school and undergraduate students work with data science mentors on rigorous, applied, interdisciplinary projects.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
High school students explore career paths in molecular engineering, computer science, or physical sciences through academic and practical learning activities.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
An intensive STEM program for high school students to develop technical skills in computer science, including cybersecurity, AI, programming, and machine learning, through hands-on projects and networking.
Age Group
High School
Location
Illinois Institute of Technology, Mies Campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
Intensive academic programs for motivated middle and high school students, offering advanced topics in math, science, and technology with residential and day options.
Age Group
Middle/High School
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Phone
N/A
High school students explore sports marketing, media, sponsorships, and analytics through real-world case studies, site visits, and industry guest speakers.
Age Group
High School
Location
Multiple Locations
Phone
N/A
High-engagement academic research intensives for middle and high school students, teaching research methods, data analytics with Python, and scientific presentation skills, culminating in a research project.
Age Group
Middle/High School
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Phone
N/A
A multi-year science enrichment program for high school students underrepresented in STEM, featuring weekly labs and summer institutes focused on astronomy and astrophysics, cultivating future scholars.
Age Group
High School
Location
William Eckhardt Research Center, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Room 599, Chicago, IL 60637
Phone
773-702-8203
An invitation-only four-week summer camp for admitted Illinois Tech students, including a rocket project, robot wars, and challenges in math, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
Age Group
High School
Location
Illinois Tech's Mies Campus in Chicago
Phone
N/A
Summer camps are great, but the real portfolio comes from competing. See every FIRST Robotics team in IL — plus pathways, deadlines, and pick lists for math, coding, science, and research competitions.
Looking for a STEM summer camp near you? This free Chicago directory lists 140+ local and online programs across the Chicago metro area — including AI, coding, robotics, science, and math camps for kids, middle schoolers, and high school students. Compare prices, dates, age groups, and formats, then filter by focus area above to find the closest match for Summer 2026.
We list 140+ STEM summer camps in Chicago, IL across AI & machine learning, coding, robotics, science, math, space, and cybersecurity. Top picks vary by your child's age and interests — use the category filters above to compare programs by price, duration, and format.
Prices in our Chicago directory range from free community programs to $3,000+ for university-hosted pre-college tracks. Most full-day weekly camps run $400–$900 per week; specialized AI and research programs typically run $1,000–$2,500 for the full program. Click any camp for current pricing.
Camps in our Chicago listings cover elementary (typically ages 6–10), middle school (11–13), high school (14–18), and selective pre-college research programs for rising seniors. Filter by age group to see only programs that match your child.
Yes — many of our listed programs offer fully online or hybrid formats, especially in AI, coding, and research. Online options are open to students nationwide, including Chicago-area kids who can't travel to an in-person camp. Look for the “Virtual Camp” filter or any program tagged Online / Hybrid in the details.
Yes. Several listings are pre-college programs hosted by universities — including residential and commuter options. These are competitive admissions with applications often closing in March/April for summer cohorts. Use the Pre-College filter at the top to see only these programs.
